Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The Homestay in the Mekong Delta was wonderful, and gave the chance to meet some of the locals and experience life away from the hussle and bussle of the cities.  I loved the Imperial city of Hue, and also relaxed Hoi An - unfortunately we had fairly wet weather whilst we were in the middle of the country, so maybe didn't see them quite at their best - we were lucky to get out on bikes in Hoi An which allowed us to experience the motorbikes and scooters at a different pace than just trying to cross the road - which really is an experience (check out some videos on Youtube before you go).  We also got the chance to visit an orphanage in Hoi An which was quite moving, as was the War Remnants museum in Saigon. Halong Bay is stunning, and it was lovely to get out kayaking amongst the limestone karsts and the overnight boat trip was great.  The train journey from Danang to Nha Trang, whilst long and perhaps a little uncomfortable allowed you to see much more scenery than you ever do in a coach, so great for photo opportunities. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hai was extremely well organised, so all his arrangements went without a hitch and he was really keen to ensure that we all got to experience as much of Vietnam as we could in this busy trip.  He was really knowledgeable, and had some great anecdotes to tell about all the places we visited.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light, but be prepared that it might well rain a lot whilst you are there.  Leave plenty of space for shopping as there are loads of opportunities through the trip to buy some great things.  You can get washing done easily in Hoi An.  If you are looking for a relaxing holiday, this might not be the trip for you, be prepared for some long days.  As others have mentioned, be really careful of your possessions when you are out and about - it is very difficult for Vietnamese to leave the country, so our passports are very valuable to them as well as to us.  Keep your wits about you in the big cities, but do visit the markets and bargain, you can get some fantastic deals.  If you want to get clothes made in Hoi An, take some pictures with you to give ideas to the tailors, and be prepared to go for two or three fittings - persevere and as long as you have gone to a recommended tailor (ask your guide, they will know the good places) you will get a great result at the end.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip was fantastic Halong bay, Hoi An,Cu Chi Tunnels to name a few.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was very good, looked after you very well. Loads of information and took use to some great restaurants. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Watch out for bag snatchers mounted on scooters

Most Inspirational Moment

- Halong Bay-WOW! - Hoi- An -what a lovely town - Chi-Chi tunnels- so interesting - Mekong Delta- an amazing experience

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was Lam who was so attentive to everyone's needs and very knowledgable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's quite an active holiday- not a problem for us, but a couple of the group found some of the activities too strenuous. Make sure you have a reasonable level of fitness.

Most Inspirational Moment

The overwhelming presence of scooters and motorbikes, often carrying large freight objects and livestock or 3 and even four people; this coupled with a driving style with no rules. Crossing the street is an art form to be learned, but seemed to be safe; just don't stop.What little of the rural life we saw on this town and culture based holiday was very interesting. We would have preferred more of the rural and to have had time to see and even photograph the somewhat limited and shy wildlife.We also found the museum relating to the war very moving and informative.The Homestay in the Mekon delta was another enjoyable feature because it was closer to the real Vietnamese.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Long was excellent and his company very enjoyable. He made good contact with each of the group and established a good spirit. He took us to many shops and markets and bought local specialities for us to try. He was very good with the locals.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the very very long flight of 13 to 13 and a half hours London to Kuala Lumpur and then the flights to Hanoi and back from Saigon. The internal flights, being shorter were less demanding and seemed roomier.

Most Inspirational Moment

I particularly loved our overnight stay in a wooden boat touring Halong Bay, soon after our arrival in Hanoi - and also enjoyed the leisurely 3 nights in Hoi An: a historical centre and a shoppers' paradise!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nguyen was a gem - very enthusiastic and knowledgeable and full of energy!  He was a mine of information about all things historical and did his best to enable us to have an excellent holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Watch your personal possessions!  Leave valuables and passport in the hotel safe. Muggers are about in the major cities!  Also take care to check your change - mistakes (sometimes intentional!) are made.

Most Inspirational Moment

Where do I start! From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the tranquillity of Halong Bay everywhere we visited was inspirational.  But, to pick one place, it would be Hoi An.  The beaches, the market, the river, the restaurants and all the charity work that happens there from the Streets cafe to the handicapped workshop making silver jewellery and embroidery. The old town, where we could walk and chat to the residents about what they were doing.  Everybody was friendly and welcoming.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thang was a very informative group leader and gave a vast amount of knowledge about all aspects of Vietnamese culture and history.  He was friendly and fun and gave great insight into how the Vietnamese live and what they have been through to get where they are.  He is very passionate about his country and I wouldn't have known 90% of the information without him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't take too much clothing, or too many dollars.  ATM's are available everywhere, and so is WIFI. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Halong Bay is amazing.  We were there when the rain was pouring down and then when the sun was shining.  It's one of those places that you have to stop and really appreciate where you are.  Unforgettable.  Equally unforgettable, but completely different, was being pedalled around Ho Chi Min city on a three-wheeled bicycle.  The motorcycle traffic that envelops you for the whole journey is indiscribable - you'll just have to try it for yourself. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Priceless.  Linh, is a great team leader who works tirelessly to make your holiday as perfect as it can be.  However, what sets him apart from most other guides is his ability to explain things from a very personal perspective.  You can read as many books as you like, but none of them will provide Linh's personal touch.  He also takes you to places you'd never find in a guide book - restaurants that are tucked away on a back streets and the homes of local people.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take enough clothing for a week and wash it when you get there.  It costs about £1 per load.  That will give you plenty of luggage allowance to buy a super cheap suitcase in Hoi An and fill it with ridiculously cheap tailor-made clothes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling in the beautiful countryside of Hoi Ann, past paddy fields, shrimp farms and banana plantations, spotting water buffalo, local dwelling places and fishermen along the way. A true snapshot of real Vietnamese life. Don't forget your camera and plenty of water!  Also the water puppets in Hanoi and the lantern festival in Hoi Ann were spectacular. The cottage industries were very interesting (you can see rice paper, coconut candy and much more being made and then you get to sample the finished products!).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Linh was fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble. He was extremely well organised, yet sensitive to the group's needs. Humerous and with an impressive command of English, Linh went way above and beyond expectations to ensure that everyone had a good time and was well looked-after. His knowledge and expertise of the country was second-to-none and his interesting and informative talks gave me a real insight into Vietnamese history and culture. We were all enchanted by the impromptu singing moments!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I travelled in August, so it was very hot and very humid, with short occasional bursts of rain, so pack accordingly. Vietnamese people dress modestly (I didn't once see a local lady wear a skirt) so slacks, T-shirts and long-sleeved light tops go down well. A brolly is great because you can use it for rain or as a parasol (if you're a lady)! Walking sandals were fine for most occasions. I didn't have a problem with mosquitos but I did take precautions so that's probably why! Crossing the road: much has been said about this and it's all true! Pandemonium in Hannoi and slightly more rdered chaos in Saigon. Fear not! Cycles and bikes WILL make a path around you - but keep an eye out for cars and vans, which are less forgiving!! Don't be phased by the incessant horn-beeping: you haven't done anything wrong - it's just their way of telling you they are there...! And if in doubt, cross with a local! You can get your laundry done very cheaply at Hoi Ann or Nha Trang (local family, NOT at the hotel which is expensive!), so pack lightly. You'll probably be taking back more clothes than you brought because you can get clothes made to fit in Hoi Ann at very good prices. Contrary to previous reviews, the Mekong Delta homestay is NOT communal sleeping - you will be in threes or fours and couples are given their own 'room'. The rooms are clean and comfortable and I had one of my best night's sleeps there! Mosquitos nets and bedding are provided so no need to take your own. Enjoy the experience - it's one I'll never forget! Oh- and do take US dollars (as well as GBP) as you get a better rate of exchange and it's widely accepted. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Almost too many to mention: Halong Bay, the Cu Chi tunnels, Hoi An- buying tailor made clothes, the cookery class there and cycle ride to the beach- the general melee of the traffic (especially in Hanoi and Saigon), the War Remnants Museum, a visit to Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and finally, for my daughter, the Water Puppet show in Hanoi.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Trong was great- friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and well organised. This was an unusual trip in that the group consisted of our family alone (parents plus "kids" aged 22 and 18) and Trong was able to relate to each of us well and was good fun to be with. He had lots of local contacts and recommendations for us and generally helped us to make the best of our time. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

You don't need too many dollars- we took 50% of anticipated spending which was too many. Agribank ATMs will allow you to draw 4, 000, 000 VND (about £120) for a 20,000 VND( 60p) fee-plus UK fee of course- other banks seemed to restrict the amounts to 2,000,000 for the same fee. You don't need a sheet sleeping bag for the Mekong Delta, though I am not unhappy with the beautiful silk ones I bought for 75000 VND each.Eating out etc is surprisingly cheap!If you are thinking of tailor-made clothes take photos from home if you particularly like any designs- the tailors are expert in making them.If you like milk in coffee you could consider taking some powdered milk since usually condensed milk is supplied.July was very humid and hot especially in the north but we had far less rain than anticipated and simply jumped into taxis (also v cheap) if it poured. Personally I was not troubled at all by mosquitos though my husband would disagree! We were fascinated by our visit to Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, almost a pilgrimage for some Vietnamese and perhaps evidence of the influence of Communism, even today. This is not on the tour but well worth a visit.We found the laundry services at the hotels quite expensive, plus some things stretched and others shrunk........you have been warned!